Photo above by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program
Truman Semans, one of the founders of Brown Advisory, generously shares stories but, with a smile, insists that he does not dole out advice. He offers instead what have been the clarion calls in his own journey: the importance of intention, generosity, and good stewardship–of people and the planet, especially the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Raised in the Maryland Tidewater, Truman was immersed in nature from an early age, surrounded by a close-knit family. He fondly recalls selling soft-shell crabs to the Maryland Club and spending endless days outdoors with any number of cousins. This formative love of nature has inspired his life and his philanthropy for more than six decades.
He attended Gilman School until he enrolled in The Lawrenceville School for high school where an accelerated program allowed him to graduate in three years rather than four. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during WWII, an experience Truman calls transformative because up to that point, his life had been rather “entitled”.
This spirit of service is a through-line through Truman’s personal and professional life. Brown Advisory, where he devoted most of his career, was formed from a set of clear priorities: to care for clients, care for the team and the people they care about, and to care about the communities that create the greater ecosystem they we’re all a part of–the individuals and the collective. With a love for the work and a commitment to “asking hard questions with a smile”, Brown Advisory went from a fledgling organization to a thriving international leader.
Upon learning about the Finding a Better Way Campaign and the “sacred ambition” of Nature Sacred over the next five years, Truman was inspired, once again, to say yes to our mission. Truman has been a steadfast supporter of Nature Sacred since our founding, and as he approaches the centennial birthday, we are delighted to honor his unparalleled generosity to nature and the lasting impact he has had across countless communities. We are honored to call him our advisor, champion, and friend.
